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Cozy Albondigas Soup: Best Easy Recipe

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A comforting and zesty meatball soup featuring tender albondigas in a rich tomato-cumin broth, finished with fresh mint and lime for a bright, soul-soothing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 ratio) or mix of beef and pork
  • 1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs (plain, unseasoned)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced into small rounds
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • Optional: 1/2 cup cooked rice or orzo pasta

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix gently with hands until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres (about 12-15 meatballs) and set aside on a plate.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and onions are translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot; stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Add the bay leaf.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  7. Gently place meatballs into the simmering broth. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and firm.
  8. Remove the bay leaf and turn off the heat.
  9. Stir in chopped fresh mint and fresh lime juice. The residual heat will wilt the mint slightly.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper. If desired, stir in cooked rice or orzo pasta.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with extra mint leaves and lime wedges.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender. Ensure broth is at a gentle simmer when adding meatballs to prevent breaking. Fresh mint is essential for the flavor profile; dried mint is not recommended. If using rice or pasta, add extra broth when reheating as they absorb liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: albondigas soup, meatball soup, mexican soup, comfort food, easy dinner, mint lime soup, cozy soup, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/cozy-albondigas-soup-best-easy-recipe/